Srinagar: With 50 Muslim candidates qualifying UPSC this year, Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, a native of border district of Handwara in North Kashmir said: “Words can hardly describe my feelings. I feel on top of the world today.” He stood 10th in UPSC examination and currently appointed as an Indian forest officer in Lucknow.
Bhat had already appeared in UPSE examination four times earlier and was about to cross 32 in November, which is a cut-off age for the services. “I believed in this quote — Try, try, try again. I have been trying from 2010,” Bhat said, while his voice choked with emotions.
He had completed his schooling and college from Srinagar before studying Veterinary Sciences in Jammu, he cleared the Kashmir Administrative Services (KAS) and later the Indian Forest Services. “However, my aim was the IAS and now I am sure that I will get my home cadre,” Bhat said.
“I have had to sacrifice every comfort to achieve my goal,” Bhat, who has three brothers and a sister has said His father, who was also a KAS officer was delighted at his son’s success.
“He is longing to see me back in my home state so that I can serve my people,” Bhat told Janta ka reporter.
As the news of his success spread, congratulatory messages were flashed by Union Minister Jitendra Singh and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
“It is encouraging to see that youths from militancy-hit areas are appearing and emerging as toppers in the civil services,” Singh told.
In his message, Omar said Bhat had made the state proud and hoped that “all the dreams of the son of the soil” would be fulfilled.